JP6875083B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to washing machines.

For example, a so-called vertical axis type washing machine in which the axial direction of the rotary tub is the vertical direction has an opening for taking in and out of laundry in the top cover forming the upper part of the washing machine main body. The washing machine is then provided with a lid that opens and closes this opening. The lid is rotatably supported by a hinge portion. For example, the washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to include a closed state detecting device for detecting a closed state in which the lid closes the opening in this type of washing machine. The washing machine of Patent Document 1 is provided with a magnet near the tip of the lid, and is provided with a Hall IC or a reed switch that reacts with the magnet on the printed circuit board on the washing machine main body side. The washing machine of Patent Document 1 detects the opening and closing of the lid by inputting the output of the Hall IC or the reed switch to the microcomputer.

JP-A-2002-346290

In this type of washing machine, a configuration is considered in which a lock device for locking the lid in a closed state is provided. According to this configuration, by operating the lock device, it is possible to prevent the user from opening the lid during operation. The lock device is configured to operate on the condition that the closed state detection device detects that the lid is in the closed state.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional closed state detection device, the lid is closed even when the lid is not completely closed due to variations in performance and quality of Hall ICs, reed switches, magnets, etc., and variations in configuration modes such as mounting positions. It may be detected as a state. When such a false detection occurs, the lock device may not operate at an appropriate timing, that is, when the lid is in the closed state with the opening closed. In particular, if the hinge part is provided with a damper mechanism to prevent the lid from closing vigorously, the lid is not completely closed at an early timing, that is, at a timing before the lid is completely closed. The risk of the locking device operating becomes even greater.

Therefore, in a washing machine provided with a lock device that locks the lid so as not to rotate when the opening for entering and exiting the laundry is closed by the lid, a washing machine capable of operating the lock device at an appropriate timing is provided. provide.

The washing machine according to the present embodiment includes a washing machine main body, an opening for entering and exiting laundry, a lid, a damper, a closed state detection device, a lock device, and a delay time setting means. The opening for entering and exiting the laundry is provided in the washing machine main body. The lid opens and closes the opening. The damper exerts a predetermined resistance force on the lid that rotates in the direction of closing the opening. The closed state detection device detects a closed state in which the lid closes the opening. The locking device executes a locking operation that locks the closed lid so as not to rotate. When the closed state is detected by the closed state detection device, the delay time setting means sets a predetermined delay time to delay the start timing of the lock operation by the lock device. The delay time setting means sets the delay time when the closed state is detected by the closed state detecting device when the closed state is recognized by the closed state detecting device. However, when the closed state detection device does not recognize that the closed state has been released, and the closed state is detected by the closed state detection device, the delay time is not set.

Longitudinal side view schematically showing a configuration example of a washing machine according to this embodiment Side view schematically showing a configuration example of the lid and its peripheral parts Longitudinal side view schematically showing a configuration example of the locking device and its peripheral parts. Block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a washing machine control system The figure which shows an example of the lid lock processing when the delay time is set. Flow chart showing an example of lid lock processing A block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a control system of a washing machine according to a second embodiment.

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments relating to the washing machine will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, substantially the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
(First Embodiment)
The washing machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a so-called vertical axis type washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotary tub is in the vertical direction, and the lid 3 is rotated on the upper part of the hollow box-shaped washing machine main body 2 constituting the outer shell. Be prepared for possible. The washing machine main body 2 includes an outer box 4 and a top cover 5. The outer box 4 is made of, for example, a steel plate, and is formed in a rectangular box shape as a whole. The top cover 5 is made of synthetic resin. Inside the outer box 4, a water tank 6 having a bottomed cylindrical shape and capable of storing water is provided. The water tank 6 is supported so as to be elastically suspended by a well-known elastic suspension mechanism 7. A drainage port 8 is formed at the bottom of the water tank 6. A drainage channel 10 provided with, for example, an electronically controlled drainage valve 9 is connected to the drainage port 8.

Inside the water tub 6, a vertical axis type rotary tub 11 that also serves as a washing tub and a dehydration tub is rotatably provided. The rotary tank 11 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and has a large number of dehydration holes 11a on the peripheral wall portion thereof. For example, a liquid-filled rotary balancer 12 is attached to the upper end of the rotary tank 11. Further, a pulsator 13 which is a stirrer is provided at the bottom of the inside of the rotary tank 11. Laundry such as clothes is housed inside the rotary tub 11.

A water tank cover 14 is attached to the upper part of the water tank 6. The water tank cover 14 is provided with an opening 14a for entering and exiting laundry at a substantially central portion thereof. A water supply port (not shown) for water supply is provided at the rear portion of the water tank cover 14. A water supply mechanism portion is provided at the rear portion inside the top cover 5. This water supply mechanism has a well-known configuration including a hose connection port 15 connected to a water supply source such as water supply, a water supply valve 16 illustrated in FIG. 4, a water injection case (not shown), a water supply hose, and the like, and the tip of the water supply hose. Is connected to the water supply port of the water tank cover 14.

Further, a well-known drive mechanism unit 17 is provided in the lower part of the water tank 6. The drive mechanism unit 17 includes, for example, a washing machine motor 18 including an outer rotor type DC three-phase brushless motor. Further, the drive mechanism unit 17 includes a clutch mechanism unit that selectively transmits the driving force of the washing machine motor 18 to the pulsator 13 and the rotary tub 11. The clutch mechanism unit is controlled by a control device 19 that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1. In the washing stroke and the rinsing stroke, the clutch mechanism transmits the driving force of the washing machine motor 18 to the pulsator 13 with the rotary tub 11 stopped, and rotates the pulsator 13 in the forward and reverse directions at a low speed. Let me. Further, in the dehydration stroke, the clutch mechanism transmits the driving force of the washing machine motor 18 to the rotary tub 11 and the pulsator 13, and rotates the rotary tub 11 and the pulsator 13 in one direction.

A top cover 5 made of synthetic resin in the shape of a thin hollow box is attached to the upper part of the outer box 4. At the center of the top cover 5, a substantially circular opening 20 for entering and exiting laundry is provided above the rotary tub 11. An operation panel 21 is provided on the front portion of the top cover 5. The control device 19 is provided on the back surface side of the operation panel 21. The operation panel 21 is provided with an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a buzzer 24, and the like that are operated by the user.

A lid 3 for opening and closing the opening 20 is provided on the upper portion of the top cover 5. The lid 3 is made of, for example, a plastic material and has a thin rectangular plate shape. The lid 3 has a size that covers the entire upper surface of the opening 20. A hinge portion 25 is provided at the base end portion of the lid 3. The hinge portion 25 rotatably supports the lid 3 with respect to the top cover 5 of the washing machine main body 2. The lid may be a so-called bi-fold type lid in which the front lid portion and the rear lid portion are foldably connected.

A damper 26 is provided inside the top cover 5. The damper 26 has a well-known configuration in which a predetermined resistance is generated by, for example, oil or the like. The damper 26 exerts a predetermined resistance force on the lid 3 that rotates in the direction of closing the opening 20. When the lid 3 is closed halfway, for example, until the gap between the lid 3 and the top cover 5 is about 10 to 15 cm, the damper 26 operates. When the damper 26 is activated, the speed at which the lid 3 rotates in the direction of closing the opening 20 becomes slower.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a magnet 27 is provided on the left end side of the tip portion of the lid 3. On the other hand, inside the top cover 5, the magnet 27 is located at a position corresponding to the magnet 27 on the lid 3 side in a closed state in which the lid 3 completely closes the opening 20, that is, at a position directly below the magnet 27. In this case, a reed switch 28 is provided as a magnetic component that reacts to the above. The reed switch 28 functions as a magnetic detection sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnet 27.

The reed switch 28 outputs an output signal according to the distance between the washing machine main body 2 and the lid 3, in other words, the magnet 27. As shown in FIG. 4, the output signal of the reed switch 28 is input to the control device 19. The control device 19 determines whether or not the lid 3 is in the closed state by comparing the output value of the reed switch 28 with a predetermined determination value.

That is, the control device 19 functions as a closed state detection device that detects that the lid 3 is in the closed state by cooperating with the magnet 27 and the reed switch 28. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, when the lid 3 closes the opening 20, the dimension of the vertical gap G between the lower surface of the tip end portion of the lid 3 and the upper surface of the top cover 5 is large. , It is designed to have a predetermined size, for example, 0 to several mm, for example, about 5 mm. Therefore, the control device 19 as the closed state detecting device recognizes this state, that is, the state in which the gap G has a predetermined dimension, as a completely closed state.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a lock device 29 is provided inside the top cover 5 to lock the closed lid 3 from rotating, that is, rotating in the opening direction of the opening 20. Has been done. The lock device 29 is provided in a portion near the reed switch 28, for example, a portion within a few centimeters from the reed switch 28. A locking member 30 extending downward is integrally provided on the left end side of the tip portion of the lid 3. The locking member 30 is formed with a locking hole 30a that penetrates the locking member 30. The locking hole 30a extends in a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the locking member 30. Further, the top cover 5 is provided with a recess 31 into which the locking member 30 is inserted when the lid 3 is closed.

The lock device 29 is configured to project the lock pin 32 into the recess 31. That is, inside the lock device 29, a drive mechanism unit (not shown) for operating the lock pin 32 using, for example, a solenoid or the like as a drive source is provided. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the lock device 29 is controlled by the control device 19. When the lock device 29 is turned on by the control device 19, the lock pin 32 projects into the recess 31 as illustrated in FIG. At this time, if the lid 3 is completely closed and the locking member 30 is inserted into the recess 31, the lock pin 32 is inserted into the locking hole 30a of the locking member 30. As a result, the completely closed lid 3 is locked so as not to rotate.

On the other hand, when the lock device 29 is turned off by the control device 19, the lock pin 32 is retracted from the recess 31 into the lock device 29, whereby the lock pin 32 is locked in the lock hole 30a of the locking member 30. The locked state, that is, the locked state of the lid 3 is released, and the lid 3 becomes a rotatable state. Even in the locked state of the lid 3, there is a slight margin between the locking hole 30a of the locking member 30 and the lock pin 32. Therefore, even in the locked state, the lid 3 can be moved in the vertical direction as long as it is a few mm, for example, about 5 mm.

The control device 19 includes a microcomputer (not shown), and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 by executing a control program in the microcomputer. As illustrated in FIG. 4, an output signal from the reed switch 28 is input to the control device 19. Further, an operation signal from the operation unit 22 is input to the control device 19.

The control device 19 controls the washing machine motor 18 via the drive circuit 35. Further, a signal from the rotation sensor 36 that detects the rotation position of the washing machine motor 18 is input to the control device 19. Further, the control device 19 controls the water supply valve 16 via the drive circuit 37, and controls the drain valve 9 via the drive circuit 38. Further, the control device 19 controls the display unit 23 via the drive circuit 39, controls the buzzer 24 via the drive circuit 40, and controls the lock device 29 via the drive circuit 41.

Further, the control device 19 virtually realizes the delay time setting processing unit 51 by software by executing the control program in the microcomputer. The control device 19 may realize the delay time setting processing unit 51 by hardware, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

The delay time setting processing unit 51 is an example of the delay time setting means, and after the control device 19 functioning as the closed state detection device detects the closed state of the lid 3, the lock device 29 makes the lid 3 non-rotatable. A predetermined delay time DT is set before the operation for locking is started. That is, when the control device 19 functioning as the closed state detection device detects the closed state of the lid 3, the delay time setting processing unit 51 sets a predetermined delay time DT to lock the lid 3 by the lock device 29. The start timing of is delayed by the delay time DT. That is, the control device 19 that functions as a closed state detection device is before the lid 3 is completely closed due to the influence of variations in the performance and quality of the magnet 27 and the reed switch 28, variations in the configuration mode such as the mounting position, and the like. In addition, there is a risk of erroneously detecting that the lid 3 is in the closed state.

In particular, since the washing machine 1 has a configuration in which a damper 26 imparts resistance to the lid 3 that rotates in the closing direction of the opening 20, the lid 3 is completely closed even before the lid 3 is completely closed. If the magnet 27 on the 3 side approaches the reed switch 28 on the 2 side of the washing machine body to some extent, there is a high possibility that the lid 3 will be erroneously detected as closed. Therefore, the control device 19 delays the start of operation of the lock device 29 by setting the delay time DT by the delay time setting processing unit 51, and even if it erroneously detects that the lid 3 is in the closed state. The lock device 29 is operated at an appropriate timing, that is, at a timing after the lid 3 is completely closed.

FIG. 5 visually shows an example of the lid lock process when the delay time DT is set by the delay time setting processing unit 51. That is, when the control device 19 detects the closed state of the lid 3 as the closed state detecting device, the delay time setting processing unit 51 sets the delay time DT. Then, when the set delay time DT elapses, the control device 19 outputs a lock command to the lock device 29. That is, the control device 19 does not output the lock command immediately when the closed state of the lid 3 is detected, but outputs the lock command after a predetermined delay time DT has elapsed after the closed state of the lid 3 is detected. To do. The lock device 29 to which the lock command is input projects the lock pin 32 into the recess 31. At this time, if the lid 3 is in a completely closed state and the locking member 30 is inserted in the recess 31, the locking pin 32 is inserted into the locking hole 30a of the locking member 30, thereby causing the locking pin 32 to be inserted. The lid 3 is locked so as not to rotate in the closed state. After that, the control device 19 does not perform the delay time DT setting process as long as the closed state of the lid 3 is maintained.

Next, an example flow of the lid locking process by the washing machine 1 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the control device 19 receives an input for starting operation by the operation of the operation unit 22 by the user (A1: YES), the control device 19 functions as a closed state detection device to change the closed state of the lid 3. Confirm whether or not it has been detected (A2). When the control device 19 has not detected the closed state of the lid 3 (A2: NO), the control device 19 displays an error display indicating that the lid 3 is not closed on the display unit 23 (A3). At this time, the control device 19 may output an error sound by the buzzer 24. Then, the control device 19 proceeds to step A2 and checks again whether or not the closed state of the lid 3 is detected.

When the control device 19 detects the closed state of the lid 3 (A2: YES), the control device 19 confirms whether or not the lid open flag is set (A4). The control device 19 sets the lid open flag when the reed switch 28 is reacting to the magnet 27, that is, when the on state is released. That is, when the lid 3 is opened and the magnet 27 is separated from the reed switch 28 by a predetermined distance or more, the lid open flag is set.

When the lid open flag is set (A4: YES), the control device 19 resets the lid open flag and sets the delay time DT by the delay time setting processing unit 51 (A5). Then, the control device 19 monitors whether or not the set delay time DT has elapsed (A6). When the delay time DT elapses (A6: YES), the control device 19 outputs a lock command to the lock device 29 (A7). As a result, the lid 3 which has changed from the open state to the completely closed state is locked so as not to rotate in the closed state.

On the other hand, when the lid open flag is not set (A4: NO), the control device 19 proceeds to step A7 without setting the delay time DT, and outputs a lock command to the lock device 29. As a result, the lid 3 which is maintained in the completely closed state without going through the open state is locked so as not to rotate in the closed state.

According to the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in the control device 19, the lock device 29 locks the lid 3 non-rotatably after the control device 19 detects the closed state of the lid 3 as a closed state detection device. In the meantime, a predetermined delay time DT is set. According to this configuration, even if the speed at which the lid 3 rotates in the direction of closing the opening 20 slows down due to the resistance force generated by the damper 26, the lock device 29 operates until the lid 3 is completely closed. Can be made to wait. That is, it is possible to prevent the lock device 29 from operating before the lid 3 is completely closed, and the lock device 29 for non-rotatably locking the closed lid 3 is provided. In the washing machine 1, the lock device 29 can be operated at an appropriate timing, that is, at a timing after the lid 3 is completely closed.

Further, according to the washing machine 1, when the control device 19 detects the closed state of the lid 3 as the closed state detecting device after passing through the open state in which the lid 3 opens the opening 20, that is, the lid 3 When opened and closed, the delay time DT is set. That is, when the user does not open and close the lid 3, even if the lid 3 is opened and closed, it takes a certain amount of time after the lid 3 is closed, at least until the lid 3 whose rotation speed is relaxed by the damper 26 is in a completely closed state. When a sufficient time has passed, it is highly possible that the lid 3 is in a completely closed state. Therefore, even if the delay time DT is not provided, the lid 3 cannot be rotated in the closed state. Can be locked. Therefore, in such a case, that is, when there is a high possibility that the lid 3 is in a completely closed state, the delay time DT is not set, so that the delay time DT is set and the unnecessary delay time is unnecessary. It is possible to provide an easy-to-use washing machine that can avoid the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems and can start the operation more quickly.

Further, by providing the delay time DT only when the lid 3 shifts from the open state to the closed state, there is a possibility that the lock device 29 may operate before the lid 3 is completely closed. The operation of the lock device 29 can be delayed, and the lid 3 can be locked in the closed state more reliably.

(Second Embodiment)
The control device 19 of the washing machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 7 further includes a temperature sensor 61 for detecting the temperature. The temperature sensor 61 may, for example, detect the temperature of the water supplied into the water tank 6, detect the temperature of the water tank 6 itself, or detect the temperature of the outside air around the washing machine 1. Alternatively, the temperature inside the washing machine 1 may be detected. That is, the temperature sensor 61 may be any as long as it can detect various environmental temperatures related to the washing machine 1.

Then, the delay time setting processing unit 51 adjusts and sets the delay time DT according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 61. In this case, the delay time setting processing unit 51 sets a shorter delay time DT as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 61 is higher, and conversely, sets a longer delay time DT as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 61 is lower. It is good to configure it so that.

For example, according to the hydraulic damper 26, since the viscosity of the oil changes depending on the temperature, the generated resistance force becomes weaker as the temperature becomes higher, and conversely becomes stronger as the temperature becomes lower. That is, for example, when the washing machine 1 is used in a cold region and the environmental temperature is low, for example, 0 ° C., and when the drying operation for drying the laundry is executed for a long time and the environmental temperature is high, for example, 50 ° C. Then, the resistance generated by the damper 26 is different. That is, for example, at a low temperature where the environmental temperature is 0 ° C., it takes, for example, 10 seconds from the operation of the damper 26 until the lid 3 is completely closed. For example, at a high temperature when the environmental temperature is 50 ° C. It takes, for example, 3 seconds from the operation of the damper 26 to the completely closed state of the lid 3. As described above, the rotation speed of the lid 3 becomes slower as the environmental temperature is lower. Therefore, by adjusting and setting the delay time DT according to the environmental temperature of the washing machine 1, in other words, the resistance force of the damper 26 that changes according to the environmental temperature, the lock device 29 operates at a more appropriate timing. Can be made to.

(Other embodiments)
The present embodiment is not limited to the plurality of embodiments described above, and can be extended or modified as follows, for example. For example, the washing machine according to the present embodiment may be configured by combining a plurality of the above-described embodiments. Further, the present embodiment can also be applied to a so-called horizontal axis type drum type washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotary tub is a horizontal axis or an inclined axis. Further, the washing machine may be configured to include a Hall IC in which the output signal is not linear, instead of the reed switch.

Further, the control device 19 is configured to store the number of operations or the number of times of opening / closing of the lid 3 in a storage medium such as a memory, and adjusts the set delay time DT based on the number of operations or the number of times of opening / closing. You may. For example, in the hydraulic damper 26, the viscosity increases due to the deterioration of the oil, and therefore, the resistance force generated increases due to the deterioration over time, and the rotation speed of the lid 3 also slows down. Therefore, the lock device 29 is further increased by setting a longer delay time DT as the number of operations or the number of times the lid 3 is opened and closed increases, and conversely, by setting a shorter delay time DT as the number of operations or the number of times the lid 3 is opened and closed decreases. It can be operated at an appropriate timing.

Further, the control device 19 may be configured so that the delay time DT set by the delay time setting processing unit 51 can be corrected when a predetermined operation is received. For a predetermined operation, it is preferable to set a special operation that a general user cannot know. For example, when the specifications of the damper 26 are changed, the damper 26 is replaced, or the type of the damper 26 to be used is changed, a delay time DT suitable for the damper 26 is set. , It is preferable to rewrite the control program and control data. Therefore, for example, when a special operation is input by a serviceman or the like, the default setting value of the delay time DT can be corrected so that the specifications of the damper 26 can be changed, replaced, or the type can be changed. Even if there is, the delay time DT can be set according to the resistance force of the damper 26, and the lock device 29 can be operated at an appropriate timing.

According to the washing machine according to the present embodiment, when the closed state of the lid is detected, a predetermined delay time is set, which delays the timing at which the locking device starts the operation for locking the lid. According to this configuration, in a washing machine provided with a lock device that locks the lid so as not to rotate when the opening for entering and exiting the laundry is closed by the lid, the lock device is operated at an appropriate timing. Can be done.

It should be noted that this embodiment is presented as an example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The present embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

In the drawing, 1 is a washing machine, 2 is a washing machine body, 3 is a lid, 19 is a control device (closed state detection device), 20 is an opening for entering and exiting laundry, 26 is a damper, 29 is a lock device, and 51 is. A delay time setting processing unit (delay time setting means), 61 indicates a temperature sensor.

Claims (2)

The washing machine body and
An opening for entering and exiting the laundry provided in the washing machine body,
A lid that opens and closes the opening,
A damper that exerts a predetermined resistance force on the lid that rotates in the direction of closing the opening.
A closed state detection device that detects a closed state in which the lid closes the opening, and
A locking device that executes a locking operation that locks the closed lid so that it cannot rotate.
When the closed state is detected by the closed state detection device, a delay time setting means for setting a predetermined delay time to delay the start timing of the lock operation by the lock device, and
With
The delay time setting means
When the closed state detection device recognizes that the closed state has been released, and the closed state detection device detects the closed state, the delay time is set.
A washing machine that does not set the delay time when the closed state is detected by the closed state detecting device when the closed state is not recognized by the closed state detecting device. Equipped with a temperature sensor that detects temperature
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the delay time setting means adjusts the delay time according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

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